Temperature-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential Channels Research Articles

Ingredients of Vicks VapoRub inhibit rhinovirus-induced ATP release.

Over-the-counter therapies, such as Vicks VapoRub, are frequently used in the management of upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Of these, acute cough is the most bothersome; however, the mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. The temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, including TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPM8 and TRPV4, are potential candidates. TRPV4 is also thought to be involved in cough through the TRPV4-ATP-P2X3 pathway. Here, we hypothesise that Vicks VapoRub ingredients (VVRIs) modulate the TRP cough channels. Stably transfected HEK cells expressing TRP channels were challenged with VVRIs, individually or in combination, and the agonist and antagonist effects were measured using calcium signalling responses. In addition, rhinovirus serotype-16 (RV16)-infected A549 airway epithelial cells were pre-incubated with individual or combinations of VVRIs prior to hypotonic challenge and extracellular ATP release analysis. Calcium signalling reconfirmed some previously defined activation of TRP channels by specific VVRIs. The combined VVRIs containing menthol, camphor and eucalyptus oil activated TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPM8 and untransfected wild-type HEK293 cells. However, pre-incubation with VVRIs did not significantly inhibit any of the channels compared with the standard agonist responses. Pre-incubation of RV16-infected A549 cells with individual or combined VVRIs, except menthol, resulted in a 0.45-0.55-fold reduction in total ATP release following hypotonic stimulation, compared with infected cells not treated with VVRIs. These findings suggest that some VVRIs may reduce symptoms associated with upper respiratory tract infection by modulating specific TRP receptors and by reducing RV16-induced ATP release.

Targeting temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels in hypertension: far beyond the perception of hot and cold.

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are nonselective cation channels and participate in various physiological roles. Thus, changes in TRP channel function or expression have been linked to several disorders. Among the many TRP channel subtypes, the TRP ankyrin type 1 (TRPA1), TRP melastatin type 8 (TRPM8), and TRP vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) channels are temperature-sensitive and recognized as thermo-TRPs, which are expressed in the primary afferent nerve. Thermal stimuli are converted into neuronal activity. Several studies have described the expression of TRPA1, TRPM8, and TRPV1 in the cardiovascular system, where these channels can modulate physiological and pathological conditions, including hypertension. This review provides a complete understanding of the functional role of the opposing thermo-receptors TRPA1/TRPM8/TRPV1 in hypertension and a more comprehensive appreciation of TRPA1/TRPM8/TRPV1-dependent mechanisms involved in hypertension. These channels varied activation and inactivation have revealed a signaling pathway that may lead to innovative future treatment options for hypertension and correlated vascular diseases.

Structural snapshots of the mechanism of TRPV2 channel activation by small-molecule agonists

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are polymodal sensors that play critical roles in various physiological processes in living organisms. These cation-permeable channels respond to a variety of physical and chemical stimuli, including cold and hot temperatures, acidic pH, and mechanical stress, often determining a sensory frontier of defense against hostile environments. Vanilloid (V) subfamily is the most studied category of TRP channels that includes six closely related members: highly calcium-selective TRPV5-6 and non-selective TRPV1-4. A remarkable feature of TRPV1-4 is their ability to sense heat, which makes them temperature-sensitive TRP channels or thermo-TRPs. TRPV channels are associated with a multitude of human diseases, including cancers, chronic pain, cardiovascular, neurological and nociceptive disorders. Despite the great clinical interest, pharmacology of TRPV channels remains largely undeveloped because of insufficient knowledge about the mechanisms of their regulation. For instance, activation of TRPV channels by small molecules or heat remains poorly understood. Numerous identified TRPV channel agonists, while effective in physiological experiments, appear limited in their ability to act in the conditions of structural biology experiments. In this regard, the recent study by Pumroy et al. [1] makes a significant contribution towards our understanding of TRPV2 structural dynamics that leads to opening of this channel in physiological conditions.

Structural mechanism of heat-induced opening of a temperature-sensitive TRP channel.

Numerous physiological functions rely on distinguishing temperature through temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels (thermo-TRPs). Although the function of thermo-TRPs has been studied extensively, structural determination of their heat- and cold-activated states has remained a challenge. Here, we present cryo-EM structures of the nanodisc-reconstituted wild-type mouse TRPV3 in three distinct conformations: closed, heat-activated sensitized and open states. The heat-induced transformations of TRPV3 are accompanied by changes in the secondary structure of the S2-S3 linker and the N and C termini and represent a conformational wave that links these parts of the protein to a lipid occupying the vanilloid binding site. State-dependent differences in the behavior of bound lipids suggest their active role in thermo-TRP temperature-dependent gating. Our structural data, supported by physiological recordings and molecular dynamics simulations, provide an insight for understanding the molecular mechanism of temperature sensing.

Structure-Function Relationship of the Thermo-Sensitive TRP Channel TRP1 from the Alga ChlamydomonasReinhardtii

The guidance systems of algae to their habitat and environmental changes involve temperature-sensitive Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels, which are evolutionary predecessors of their mammalian orthologs. Here, we undertook structural and functional characterization of the representative TRP channel from alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, crTRP1. We determined a 3.5-Å resolution cryo-EM structure of crTRP1, which deviates significantly from the structures of other TRP channels and has a unique 2-fold symmetrical rose-shape architecture with elbow domains and ankyrin repeat domains submerged and dipping into the membrane, respectively. We found that the crTRP1 function is tightly regulated by phosphoinositides. No channel openings were observed when crTRP1 was incorporated into the bilayers in the absence of phosphoinositides, while the addition of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) or phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate PI(4)P readily evoked channel activity. The crTRP1 channel demonstrated outwardly rectifying currents, where rectification resulted from both – differences in the single-channel conductance and open probability (Po). Strikingly, crTRP1 exhibited high temperature sensitivity, similar to the mammalian temperature-sensitive TRP channels (thermoTRPs). The temperature dependence of the crTRP1 channel openings yielded a high value of the temperature coefficient, Q10 = 25 ± 1.17, that closely resembles the Q10 for the mammalian thermoTRPs. Combining the first structure of a TRP channel from a microorganism with its functional characterization, we provide a framework for better understanding of alga biology and TRP channel evolution.

Mechanism for Regulation of Melanoma Cell Death via Activation of Thermo-TRPV4 and TRPV2.

Background Thermo-TRPs (temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels) belong to the TRP (transient receptor potential) channel superfamily. Emerging evidence implied that thermo-TRPs have been involved in regulation of cell fate in certain tumors. However, their distribution profiles and roles in melanoma remain incompletely understood. Methods Western blot and digital PCR approaches were performed to identify the distribution profiles of six thermo-TRPs. MTT assessment was employed to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry was applied to test cell cycle and apoptosis. Calcium imaging was used to determine the function of channels. Five cell lines, including one normal human primary epidermal melanocytes and two human malignant melanoma (A375, G361) and two human metastatic melanoma (A2058, SK-MEL-3) cell lines, were chosen for this research. Results In the present study, six thermo-TRPs including TRPV1/2/3/4, TRPA1, and TRPM8 were examined in human primary melanocytes and melanoma cells. We found that TRPV2/4, TRPA1, and TRPM8 exhibited ectopic distribution both in melanocytes and melanoma cells. Moreover, activation of TRPV2 and TRPV4 could lead to the decline of cell viability for melanoma A2058 and A375 cells. Subsequently, activation of TRPV2 by 2-APB (IC50 = 150 μM) induced cell necrosis in A2058 cells, while activation of TRPV4 by GSK1016790A (IC50 = 10 nM) enhanced apoptosis of A375 cells. Furthermore, TRPV4 mediated cell apoptosis of melanoma via phosphorylation of AKT and was involved in calcium regulation. Conclusion Overall, our studies revealed that TRPV4 and TRPV2 mediated melanoma cell death via channel activation and characterized the mechanism of functional TRPV4 ion channel in regulating AKT pathway driven antitumor process. Thus, they may serve as potential biomarkers for the prognosis and are targeted for the therapeutic use in human melanoma.

Effect of Danggui Sini Decoction on the Behaviour and Dorsal Root Ganglion TRP Channel of Neuropathic Pain in CCI Rats

Danggui Sini decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been extensively used as a remedy for neuropathic pain and other diseases in recent years. To explore whether Danggui Sini decoction can alleviate mechanical pain, thermal hyperalgesia, and cold pain at the same time, the role of temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channel in neuropathic pain and the therapeutic effect of Danggui Sini decoction on neuropathic pain as well as the impact on the transient receptor potential pathway were explored in the present study. One hundred and twentyeight Sprague Dawley rats were separated randomly into 4 groups; the sham-operated group, chronic constriction injury of sciatic nerve model group, pregabalin group, and Danggui Sini decoction-treated group. The rats in the sham-operated group underwent surgery, but no nerve was ligated. The rest of the rats were subjected to sciatic nerve ligation. Rats in Danggui Sini decoction-treated group could be irrigated to Danggui Sini decoction. Rats in the sham-operated group and chronic constriction injury model group were gavaged with saline. Rats in pregabalin group were given pregabalin. Behavioral tests conducted were, acetone test and cold plate, hot plate experiment, and von Frey filaments on 4, 7, 14, 21st day, and then dorsal root ganglion neurons were take out. Nerve ligation from the ipsilateral L4-6 dorsal root ganglion were measured TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4 proteins expression by immunofluorescence staining and Western-blot method. Danggui Sini decoction could significantly inhibit the cold allodynia and the mechanical allodynia. The immunofluorescence studies showed that the model group of dorsal root ganglia on TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4 proteins were decreased. Western-blot results showed the the expression of TRPM8, TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4 proteins in Danggui Sini decoction-treated group was reduced. Danggui Sini decoction could not only suppress the cold allodynia, but also alleviate mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. Danggui Sini decoction could down-regulate abnormally high expression of temperature-dependent transient receptor potential channel protein.

Activation of Cold-Sensitive Channels TRPM8 and TRPA1 Inhibits the Proliferative Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Phenotype.

Airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) phenotypic modulation is one of the key factors contributing to asthma. Temperature changes may induce asthma, and these changes are known to be related to the temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels (TS-TRPs). The present study was designed to investigate the cellular functions of cold-sensitive channels, TRPM8 and TRPA1, in the phenotypic modulation of ASMCs. A rat asthma model was constructed and the expression of TS-TRPs in ASM was tested. Using the agonists and antagonists for both TRPM8 and TRPA1, the effects of cold-sensitive channels on the phenotypic modulation of ASMCs were evaluated by measurement of contractile protein expression and cell proliferation and migration. Signaling pathways and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity were assayed with Western blotting and gelatin zymography. TRPM8 and TRPA1 were decreased in the ASM of the rat asthma model. Icilin and menthol, agonists for TRPM8 and TRPA1, inhibited ASMC proliferation and migration induced by fetal bovine serum (FBS) or platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF). Moreover, icilin reversed the FBS-induced inhibition of the expression of contractile phenotype markers, smooth muscle α-actin, and SM22α. Icilin also antagonized the activation of p38 and MMP-2 and the repression of p21 caused by FBS. Our findings show, for the first time, that the activation of TRPM8 and TRPA1 inhibits ASMC proliferative phenotype. These data suggest that TRPM8 and TRPA1 agonists may be promising new therapies for asthma.

High Temperature Sensitivity is Intrinsic to Voltage-Gated Potassium Channels

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are members of the large tetrameric cation channels superfamily but are considered to be uniquely sensitive to heat, which has been presumed to be due to the existence of an unidentified temperature-sensing domain. We find that the homologous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels also exhibit high temperature sensitivity comparable to that of TRPV1, which is detectable under specific conditions when the voltage sensor is functionally decoupled from the activation gate through either intrinsic mechanisms or mutations. Interestingly, mutations could tune Shaker channel to be either heat-activated or heat-deactivated. Therefore, high temperature sensitivity is intrinsic to both TRP and Kv channels. Our findings suggest important physiological roles of heat-induced variation in Kv channel activities. Mechanistically our findings indicate that temperature-sensing TRP channels may not contain a specialized heat-sensor domain; instead, non-obligatory allosteric gating permits the intrinsic heat sensitivity to drive channel activation, allowing temperature-sensitive TRP channels to function as polymodal nociceptors.

High temperature sensitivity is intrinsic to voltage-gated potassium channels.

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are members of the large tetrameric cation channels superfamily but are considered to be uniquely sensitive to heat, which has been presumed to be due to the existence of an unidentified temperature-sensing domain. Here we report that the homologous voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels also exhibit high temperature sensitivity comparable to that of TRPV1, which is detectable under specific conditions when the voltage sensor is functionally decoupled from the activation gate through either intrinsic mechanisms or mutations. Interestingly, mutations could tune Shaker channel to be either heat-activated or heat-deactivated. Therefore, high temperature sensitivity is intrinsic to both TRP and Kv channels. Our findings suggest important physiological roles of heat-induced variation in Kv channel activities. Mechanistically our findings indicate that temperature-sensing TRP channels may not contain a specialized heat-sensor domain; instead, non-obligatory allosteric gating permits the intrinsic heat sensitivity to drive channel activation, allowing temperature-sensitive TRP channels to function as polymodal nociceptors.

Expression of Genes for Temperature-Sensitive TRP Channels in the Rat Hypothalamus in Normal Conditions and on Adaptation to Cold

Quantitative RT-PCR was used to study the expression of genes for temperature-sensitive TRP (transient receptor potential) ion channels in the hypothalamus in control (kept for five weeks at +20 ± 22°C) and cold-adapted (five weeks at +4 ± 6°C) rats. We report the first observation of expression of the genes Trpv3 and Trpm8, evidencing the presence of TRPV3 and TRPM8 ion channels in the hypothalamus; the expression of the genes for six temperature-sensitive TRP ion channels (TRPA1, TRPM8, TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV3, and TRPV4) was compared, and quite high levels of expression of the genes for temperature-sensitive ion channels activated at temperatures exceeding 30°C were noted, while the levels of expression of genes for cold-sensitive TRPM8 and TRPA1 were much lower; changes in the expression of the gene for TRPV3 channels due to cold adaptation were seen. This latter point supports the suggestion that temperature-sensitive TRP ion channels in the hypothalamus are involved in the mechanism of temperature adaptation at the genome level.

Calcium regulation by temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels in human uveal melanoma cells

Uveal melanoma (UM) is both the most common and fatal intraocular cancer among adults worldwide. As with all types of neoplasia, changes in Ca2+ channel regulation can contribute to the onset and progression of this pathological condition. Transient receptor potential channels (TRPs) and cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1) are two different types of Ca2+ permeation pathways that can be dysregulated during neoplasia. We determined in malignant human UM and healthy uvea and four different UM cell lines whether there is gene and functional expression of TRP subtypes and CB1 since they could serve as drug targets to either prevent or inhibit initiation and progression of UM. RT-PCR, Ca2+ transients, immunohistochemistry and planar patch-clamp analysis probed for their gene expression and functional activity, respectively. In UM cells, TRPV1 and TRPM8 gene expression was identified. Capsaicin (CAP), menthol or icilin induced Ca2+ transients as well as changes in ion current behavior characteristic of TRPV1 and TRPM8 expression. Such effects were blocked with either La3+, capsazepine (CPZ) or BCTC. TRPA1 and CB1 are highly expressed in human uvea, but TRPA1 is not expressed in all UM cell lines. In UM cells, the CB1 agonist, WIN 55,212-2, induced Ca2+ transients, which were suppressed by La3+ and CPZ whereas CAP-induced Ca2+ transients could also be suppressed by CB1 activation. Identification of functional TRPV1, TRPM8, TRPA1 and CB1 expression in these tissues may provide novel drug targets for treatment of this aggressive neoplastic disease.

Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Dental Nociception

Due, in part, to the unique structure of the tooth, dental pain is initiated via distinct mechanisms. Here we review recent advances in our understanding of inflammatory tooth pain and discuss 3 hypotheses proposed to explain dentinal hypersensitivity: The first hypothesis, supported by functional expression of temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels, emphasizes the direct transduction of noxious temperatures by dental primary afferent neurons. The second hypothesis, known as hydrodynamic theory, attributes dental pain to fluid movement within dentinal tubules, and we discuss several candidate cellular mechanical transducers for the detection of fluid movement. The third hypothesis focuses on the potential sensory function of odontoblasts in the detection of thermal or mechanical stimuli, and we discuss the accumulating evidence that supports their excitability. We also briefly update on a novel strategy for local nociceptive anesthesia via nociceptive transducer molecules in dental primary afferents with the potential to specifically silence pain fibers during dental treatment. Further understanding of the molecular mechanisms of dental pain would greatly enhance the development of therapeutics that target dental pain.

Immunolocalization and distribution of functional temperature-sensitive TRP channels in salivary glands

Transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channels are unique cellular sensors involved in multiple cellular functions. Their role in salivary secretion remains to be elucidated. The expression and localization of temperature-sensitive TRP channels in salivary (submandibular, sublingual and parotid) glands were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription plus the polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The effects of various TRP channel agonists on carbachol (CCh)-induced salivary secretion in the submandibular gland and on the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)]i) in a submandibular epithelial cell line were also investigated. Immunohistochemistry revealed the expression of TRP-melastatin subfamily member 8 (TRPM8) and TRP-ankyrin subfamily member 1 (TRPA1) in myoepithelial, acinar and ductal cells in the sublingual, submandibular and parotid glands. In addition, TRP-vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), TRPV3 and TRPV4 were also expressed in myoepithelial, acinar and ductal cells in all three types of gland. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR results demonstrated the mRNA expression of TRPV1, TRPV3, TRPV4, TRPM8 and TRPA1 in acinar and ductal cells in these salivary glands. Perfusion of the entire submandibular gland with the TRPV1 agonist capsaicin (1 μM) via the submandibular artery significantly increased CCh-induced salivation, whereas perfusion with TRPM8 and TRPA1 agonists (0.5 μM WS12 and 100 μM allyl isothiocyanate) decreased it. Application of agonists for each of the thermosensitive TRP channels increased [Ca(2+)]i in a submandibular epithelial cell line. These results indicate that temperature-sensitive TRP channels are localized and distributed in acinar, ductal and myoepithelial cells in salivary glands and that they play a functional role in the regulation and/or modulation of salivary secretion.

Thermal Stimulation of Primary Sensory Neurons in the Rat Hind Paw: Effect of Morphine on ERK1/2 Phosphorylation, TRPV1 and TRPA1 Channel Expression

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels or ‘thermo-TRP’ were stimulated on rat sensory afferents, and the effects on the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, on the regulation of TRPV1 and TRPA1, as well as the pharmacological modulation by the opioid analgesic morphine were investigated. The thermal stimuli were applied to the rat hind paw by immersion into either hot or cold water. Phospho-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2) was measured by fluorescence-immunohistochemistry in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. TRP channel mRNA expression was measured by RT-PCR in the innervating DRGs, and the protein content of TRPV1 and TRPA1 was determined by Western blot in the DRGs and in the sciatic nerve. The thermal stimuli led to a time-dependent increase in the number of DRG cells displaying cytoplasmic and nuclear staining for p-ERK1/2. Morphine partly prevented this increase in ERK1/2 phosphorylation, exerting its effect mainly on the nuclear staining. The mRNA expression for TRPV1 and TRPA1 in the DRG did not change within 24 h following the thermal stimuli. However, the protein content of both TRPV1 and TRPA1 was regulated by the thermal stimulation and by morphine. In the DRGs and in the sciatic nerve, heat or cold stimuli per se tended to decrease TRP protein levels, whereas with morphine pretreatment protein levels were raised. The present findings shed new light on the time-dependent reactions of primary sensory neurons towards irritant thermal stimuli to the skin and on their opioid modulation.

Ligand stoichiometry of the cold‐ and menthol‐activated channel TRPM8

Temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play a key role in somatosensation, not only as primary thermosensors but also as chemosensors for various compounds that evoke a thermal sensation. The fundamental mechanisms whereby TRP channels translate ligand binding into opening of the ion conducting pore are, however, poorly understood, and the actual number of ligands that bind to these channels is fully unknown. Here, we investigated the ligand stoichiometry of the cold sensor and menthol receptor TRPM8. Based on a detailed biophysical analysis of tandem constructs of wild-type and menthol-insensitive TRPM8 subunits, we now provide direct evidence that each channel has four independent and energetically equivalent menthol interaction sites. These results suggest a fundamentally different ligand stoichiometry in TRP channels, in comparison with other major families of ligand-gated ion channels.

Cool channel subunits reveal their independent interactions with menthol

Cool channel subunits reveal their independent interactions with menthol

Thermosensitive TRP channel pore turret is part of the temperature activation pathway

Temperature sensing is crucial for homeotherms, including human beings, to maintain a stable body core temperature and respond to the ambient environment. A group of exquisitely temperature-sensitive transient receptor potential channels, termed thermoTRPs, serve as cellular temperature sensors. How thermoTRPs convert thermal energy (heat) into protein conformational changes leading to channel opening remains unknown. Here we demonstrate that the pathway for temperature-dependent activation is distinct from those for ligand- and voltage-dependent activation and involves the pore turret. We found that mutant channels with an artificial pore turret sequence lose temperature sensitivity but maintain normal ligand responses. Using site-directed fluorescence recordings we observed that temperature change induces a significant rearrangement of TRPV1 pore turret that is coupled to channel opening. This movement is specifically associated to temperature-dependent activation and is not observed during ligand- and voltage-dependent channel activation. These observations suggest that the turret is part of the temperature-sensing apparatus in thermoTRP channels, and its conformational change may give rise to the large entropy that defines high temperature sensitivity.

Transient receptor potential A1 mediates acetaldehyde‐evoked pain sensation

Six transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels expressed in the sensory afferents play an important role as body thermosensors and also as peripheral pain detectors. It is known that a number of natural compounds specifically activate those sensory neuronal TRP channels, and a well-known example is cinnamaldehyde for TRPA1. Here we show that human and mouse TRPA1 are activated by acetaldehyde, an intermediate substance of ethanol metabolism, in the HEK293T cell heterologous expression system and in cultured mouse trigeminal neurons. Acetaldehyde failed to activate other temperature-sensitive TRP channels expressed in sensory neurons. TRPA1 antagonists camphor and gadolinium, and a general TRP blocker ruthenium red inhibited TRPA1 activation by acetaldehyde. Camphor, gadolinium and ruthenium red also suppressed the acute nociceptive behaviors induced by the intradermal administration of acetaldehyde into the mouse footpads. Intradermal co-application of prostaglandin E2 and acetaldehyde greatly potentiated the acetaldehyde-induced nociceptive responses, and this effect was reversed by treatment with the TRPA1 antagonist camphor. These results suggest that acetaldehyde causes nociception via TRPA1 activation. Our data may also help elucidate the mechanisms underlying acetaldehyde-related pathological symptoms such as hangover pain.

TRPM8 voltage sensor mutants reveal a mechanism for integrating thermal and chemical stimuli

TRPM8, a member of the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily, is expressed in thermosensitive neurons, in which it functions as a cold and menthol sensor. TRPM8 and most other temperature-sensitive TRP channels (thermoTRPs) are voltage gated; temperature and ligands regulate channel opening by shifting the voltage dependence of activation. The mechanisms and structures underlying gating of thermoTRPs are currently poorly understood. Here we show that charge-neutralizing mutations in transmembrane segment 4 (S4) and the S4-S5 linker of human TRPM8 reduce the channel's gating charge, which indicates that this region is part of the voltage sensor. Mutagenesis-induced changes in voltage sensitivity translated into altered thermal sensitivity, thereby establishing the strict coupling between voltage and temperature sensing. Specific mutations in this region also affected menthol affinity, which indicates a direct interaction between menthol and the TRPM8 voltage sensor. Based on these findings, we present a Monod-Wyman-Changeux-type model explaining the combined effects of voltage, temperature and menthol on TRPM8 gating.